Caleb Femi Gives Voice to Britain’s Marginalized Youths

Caleb Femi is a poet, filmmaker, and photographer who has emerged as one of the most dynamic voices of his generation. His story began in Kano, Nigeria, where he spent the early years of his childhood. But it was in the bustling streets of London, particularly the North Peckham Estate, where his life’s narrative truly unfolded. He is successfully blending the raw beauty of spoken word with the visual impact of film and photography to share stories of modern Britain. His work, especially his critically acclaimed debut poetry collection Poor, offers profound insights into the complexities of growing up as a young Black man in Britain.

Born in 1990, Femi’s journey from Kano to London at the age of seven marked the beginning of his exploration of identity, place, and belonging. Raised by his grandmother in Nigeria before joining his parents in the North Peckham Estate, Caleb Femi witnessed firsthand the challenges and resilience that characterized life in working-class communities. These experiences would later become the heartbeat of his poetry.

However, Femi’s rise as a creative force didn’t happen overnight. After completing his studies at Queen Mary, University of London, where he majored in English, he took up a teaching position at a secondary school in Tottenham. It was during this time that he began to recognize the power of words—particularly poetry—as a tool for engaging and inspiring young people. In 2016, Femi was appointed as the first-ever Young People’s Laureate for London, a role that would define much of his work in the years that followed. His mission was clear: to use poetry as a means of re-engaging young people who had been long disenfranchised and marginalized.

“I don’t see it as far-fetched to normalize poetry among all demographics of young people in London,” Caleb Femi explained when he took on the role. He believed that poetry, in its purest form, allows individuals to communicate from an honest and safe place—a place where young voices, often silenced by society, could be heard.

The Power of Poor and Femi’s Unique Approach

It was this belief that led to the creation of Poor, Caleb Femi’s debut poetry collection, published in 2020. The collection quickly garnered attention for its vivid portrayal of life on the North Peckham Estate. In October 2021, Femi was awarded the Forward Prize for Poetry’s Felix Dennis Prize for Best First Collection. Through Poor, Femi combines poems, diary entries, and photographs to capture the essence of community life, where hardship and hope coexist in a delicate balance.

From poems like Ingredients and Properties of Concrete to A Designer Talks of Home/A Resident Talks of Home, Femi takes readers on an intimate journey through the lives of those often overlooked by mainstream narratives. His poetry explores the fears, dreams, and resilience of young Black men growing up in environments fraught with challenges. Femi’s photographs, included in the collection, offer a visual counter-narrative to the stereotypes often associated with council estates, challenging the fetishized portrayal of urban communities.

His belief that poetry is always “unfinished” echoes the philosophy of Emily Dickinson, whose work he studied during his undergraduate years. Like Dickinson, Femi frequently revisits and reshapes his poems, as seen in the different versions of Coconut Oil available online. This fluid approach to poetry reflects his understanding that art, like life, is constantly evolving.

A Filmmaker and Photographer Who Captures the Soul of Modern Britain

In addition to his work as a poet, Caleb Femi is an accomplished filmmaker and photographer. His four short films—And They Knew Light (2017), Wishbone (2018), Secret Life of Gs (2019), and Survivor’s Guilt (2020)—have been widely praised for their exploration of Black British identity, youth culture, and the intersection of urban life and creativity. These films, available on platforms such as YouTube and Femi’s own website, further demonstrate his commitment to making art accessible to all.

His work has also reached more mainstream audiences through high-profile collaborations. In 2018, Heathrow Airport commissioned Femi to write A Tale of Modern Britain, a poem celebrating the diverse and shared experiences of travelers. His words, brought to life on big screens throughout the airport, offered a fresh and thought-provoking take on what it means to be British in today’s world.

Femi’s impact extends beyond poetry and film. His spoken word performances at events like TEDx, the South Bank Centre, and the Tate Modern have made him a sought-after speaker, particularly among young audiences. Through these performances, he continues to inspire and empower, using his platform to bridge the gap between the often elitist world of poetry and the everyday experiences of young people.

The Future of Caleb Femi’s Vision

Caleb Femi’s journey from the North Peckham Estate to the forefront of British poetry and filmmaking emphasizes the power of storytelling in its many forms. His work, whether through poetry, film, or photography, remains deeply rooted in the lived experiences of marginalized communities. Yet, it transcends these experiences to speak to universal themes of hope, survival, and the search for meaning.

As Femi continues to push the boundaries of his art, there’s no doubt that his voice will remain a vital force in British culture for years to come. For him, poetry is more than just words on a page—it’s a vehicle for change, a platform for dialogue, and, most importantly, a way to ensure that the voices of young people are not just heard, but valued.

More about Caleb Femi here